Spacious new pub opens in Laois

A newly renovated pub opened its doors on the Main Street of Mountrath last Thursday.  

Eponomously named, The Pub, the new bar which is fitted out to the highest standard and is surprisingly large, is owned by Laois native Stephen Geoghegan. 

Mr Geoghegan who owns another pub in Johnstown, Co Kilkenny, has big plans for the new Mountrath pub. He believes a quality offering will keep people in the town, particularly the younger generation. 

Having grown up in Ballacolla, he recalled socialising in the bar when he was 18 and it was run by Eddie Kirwan. It had been a hugely popular spot in its day, he said.  

“It is a busy town Mountrath. It always was a good socialising town,” said Mr Geoghegan. 

Mr Geoghegan said there is “serious potential” in Mountrath and he has put his money where his mouth is. 

The Pub had closed permanently when the Covid restrictions were in place and Mr Geoghegan spotted its potential. He bought the premises and spent three years and a good deal of money completely refurbishing the pub. 

“It was closed for Covid and never reopened. It was completely gutted down to the four walls,” he explained. 

Over the space of three years the entire bar was revamped. Even the floorboards were replaced and Mr Geoghegan believes there aren’t many rural pubs that would rival the offering in Mountrath. 

Mr Geoghegan is optimistic about the growth of Mountrath and said he hopes to start selling food from the bar in January. He is also looking at the possibility of providing accommodation at the location. 

“It is very important to bring something to that end of the town,” he said. 

He noted there had been investment elsewhere in Mountrath and he believes his investment will bring a bit of life to the Portlaoise end of the town.  

The Pub became Mountrath’s fifth bar when it opened its doors on Thursday, May 23. 

General Bar Manager Connar Fox said the pub enjoyed a hugely successful opening night. 

“Everyone is excited about it. Everyone was absolutely over the moon. It is a very modern pub,” he said. 

He said the pub has a lovely new beer garden, has a selection of cocktails and can cater for parties and events. Mr Fox said it is drawing great crowds and the cocktails are a real hit. 

The Pub is the fifth bar in operation in Mountrath and it’s believed to be the only pub in the town currently selling cocktails.